Conservatives Are Such Jokers — In 1960, John F. Kennedy, who had been shocked by the hunger he saw in West Virginia, made the fight against hunger a theme of his presidential campaign. After his election he created the modern food stamp program, which today helps millions of Americans get enough to eat.

G.O.P. Contenders Endorse Health Insurance Veto — The four leading Republican presidential candidates have aligned themselves with President Bush's veto on Wednesday of an expanded health insurance program for children, once again testing the political risk of appearing in lock step …

The Republican Collapse — Modern conservatism begins with Edmund Burke. What Burke articulated was not an ideology or a creed, but a disposition, a reverence for tradition, a suspicion of radical change. — When conservatism came to America, it became creedal.

Berkeley Marine Center Draws Anti-War Ire — (CBS) BERKELEY Marine Captain Richard Lund recruits college students and graduates as candidates for officer positions in the marines. But carrying out that job in Berkeley is not always an easy task. — He has listened to a variety of complaints …

Losing A Generation? — The number of young people who do not consider themselves Christians is growing, as is the hostility toward Christianity expressed by the next generation of non-Christians, claims a new book from David Kinnaman of Barna.org. Money quote: … And so the polarization grows.

Netroots Nightmare: O'Hanlon Teams Up with HRC — When Michael O'Hanlon and Kenneth Pollack of the Brookings Institution wrote in the New York TImes that the surge was working, they were widely criticized by the antiwar left, which went to great lengths to undercut their findings.

ET TU, BARACK? — Barack Obama won't wear a pin on his lapel in the shape of the American flag. Forget what that says about Obama's feelings of patriotism or love of country. Frankly, I don't think it says much at all. His explanation - that he wants to show his patriotism through disseminating his …

Debate Erupts on Techniques Used by C.I.A. — The disclosure of secret Justice Department legal opinions on interrogation on Thursday set off a bitter round of debate over the treatment of terrorism suspects in American custody and whether Congress has been adequately informed of legal policies.

So Far Rudy's Run Going According to Script — Of all the candidates in the Republican field, no one has a right to be happier with the way things have worked out thus far than Rudy Giuliani. Here's a quick look at where things stand: — After nine months of campaigning …

Dems Postpone Rollout Of Controversial Wiretapping Bill — Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD), the House Majority Leader, postponed a press conference announcing new reforms of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act after progressive lawmakers banded together and said they would fight any legislation …

Gulf — Retired four-star General Merrill A. McPeak served in the Air Force for over 35 years. Gen. McPeak, a combat pilot, led the Air Force during the first war in Iraq. A former member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, he understands the importance of choosing a Commander in Chief …

Giuliani Pulled No Punches on the Radio — So what should a mayor do? Just let constituents call his weekly radio program on WABC — the one called "Live From City Hall ... With Rudy Giuliani" — and whine and complain and get in his face without answering back? — Puh-leeze.

DiFatta twice detained for lewd conduct in mall restrooms — St. Bernard Parish Councilman Joey DiFatta, who on Thursday withdrew from the 1st Senate District campaign, has been stopped twice since 1996 for suspicion of engaging in lewd behavior in public restrooms in Jefferson Parish, records obtained by The Times-Picayune show.